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8 Best Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

8 Best Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

VET APPROVED

Dr. Samantha Devine Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Samantha Devine

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Gray - blue maine coon reaching for a treat outdoors Your cat was just diagnosed with kidney disease, and you want to do everything you can to help support their kidney function. Your veterinarian suggests a diet designed to support the kidneys, but are there any supplements you can give your cat to help promote kidney health? Let’s look at some of the best supplements you can give your cat to support their urinary tract.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Purina Hydra Care Purina Hydra Care
  • Increases your cat's daily fluid intake
  • Easy to administer
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat
  • Gives cats on prescription urinary food a treatment option
  • Easy to administer
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement
  • Shown positive benefits
  • Formula contains three beneficial bacterium
  • VetriScience Renal Essentials VetriScience Renal Essentials
  • Includes adaptogens like Cordyceps sinensis and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Comes in chicken and fish flavors
  • Affordable price
  • Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement
  • Quality of the fish oils in Welactin is less likely to give your cat a fishy smell
  • Potentially useful for a range of health issues
  • The 8 Best Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease

    1. Purina Hydra Care – Best Overall Kidney Supplement

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hydra Care

    Supplement Form: Liquid
    Size: 3-oz pouch

    Getting enough fluids is essential for cats with kidney disease. To improve your cat’s hydration, Purina created Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Hydra Care. The product comes in pouches, and your cat needs to consume at least 2 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight daily. The components called osmolytes help cats absorb fluid on a cellular level.

    When administering this supplement, monitor your cat as a few people reported their cat experienced mild stomach upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

    Pros
    • Increases your cat’s daily fluid intake
    • Easy to administer; just shake up the pouch and pour it into a bowl
    Cons
    • Some cats don’t like the liver flavor
    • Some people report gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea

    2. Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat – Best Value

    Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat

    Supplement Form: Crunchy treat
    Size: 1.8-oz bag

    Purnia snags another spot on the list! Giving our pets a snack is a bonding experience for many of us. You should be careful not to provide too many calories, but the Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat is designed to promote urinary health in our kitties. It is actually used with cats that may be at risk for developing bladder or kidney stones (struvite or calcium oxalate), but it also contains antioxidants.

    Pros
    • Gives cats on prescription urinary food a treatment option
    • Easy to administer
    • Contains antioxidants
    Cons
    • Some cats don’t like the flavor

    3. Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement – Premium Choice

    Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement

    Supplement Form: Capsule
    Size: 90 capsules

    Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement contains beneficial bacteria that help eliminate wastes that build up because the kidneys aren’t working effectively. The supplement tends to be well-tolerated in both dogs and cats. Another positive for this formula is that it contains three beneficial bacterium: S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, and B. longum.

    Pros
    • Studies have shown positive benefits in some animal models1
    • Formula contains three beneficial bacterium
    Cons
    • Limited in studies in dogs and cats
    • Large capsules that should not be opened for maximum effectiveness can be challenging to administer

    4. VetriScience Renal Essentials

    VetriScience Renal Essentials

    Supplement Form: Chewable tablets
    Size: 60 tablets

    Another top choice on our list is VetriScience Renal Essentials. If you are looking for a chewable supplement that maintains kidney function by supporting homocysteine balance, normal fluid retention, stress management, homocysteine balance, and liver functions, this is your answer. This supplement encompasses everything you’d need in a kidney health supplement, such as B vitamins and fish oils, at an affordable price. In addition, its ingredients help establish healthy kidney blood flow.

    One issue some people had was with the size of the tablet. Some felt it was too large for their cat, so they had to dissolve the tablets in water and administer them with a syringe.

    Pros
    • Includes adaptogens like Cordyceps sinensis and omega-3 fatty acids
    • Comes in chicken and fish flavors.
    • Affordable price
    Cons
    • Tablets are pretty large; difficult to administer
    • Not hypoallergenic

    5. Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats

    Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats

    Supplement Form: Liquid
    Size: 4-oz bottle

    Fish oils have a wide range of benefits that you might already be familiar with, such as improving your cat’s coat and skin. Did you know they can also lower blood pressure and decrease protein loss through the kidneys? Welactin is a quality fish oil supplement containing two major omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

    Since it is in liquid form, some cats might not like the taste.

    Pros
    • Quality of the fish oils in Welactin is less likely to give your cat a fishy smell
    • Potentially useful for a range of health issues, including arthritis and kidney disease
    Cons
    • Some customers have issues with package leaking
    • Not all cats enjoy the taste

    6. Epakitin Chitosan-Based Phosphate Binder

    Epakitin Chitosan-Based Phosphate Binder

    Supplement Form: Oral powder
    Size: 60 grams, 180 grams, 300 grams

    When cats have kidney disease, their phosphorus levels can increase. High phosphorus levels are associated with decreased longevity, so getting those levels under control is essential. Using a phosphate binder like Epakitin helps bind phosphorus as your cat eats it and keeps it in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can be excreted.

    Supplements of any kind can be a bit tricky, so some cats might not like the taste of the powder.

    Pros
    • Easy to dose powder
    • Well-tolerated by most cats and safe for all life stages
    Cons
    • Some cats don’t like the flavor
    • Customers have noted issues with the packaging

    7. Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites

    Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites

    Supplement Form: Soft chews
    Size: 60 chews

    Urinary tract infections are more common in cats with renal disease than cats with a healthy pair of kidneys because the urine is more dilute in cats with kidney disease. Cranberry supplements like Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites may have some bladder-protective properties. This formula contains D-mannose, which helps maintain healthy urinary tract function. Additionally, the Zesty Paws chews contain vitamin B6 (80 mcg per two chews), helping with immune system support.

    Pros
    • Easy-to-dose chewable formula
    • Contains antioxidants and healthy bacteria
    Cons
    • Some cats don’t enjoy the bacon flavor

    8. Pfizer Animal Pet-Tinic Vitamin-Mineral Supplement

    Pfizer Animal Pet-Tinic Vitamin-Mineral Supplement

    Supplement Form: Liquid
    Size: 4-oz bottle

    Some cats with renal disease have a decreased appetite, so they may not get all the nutrients they need from their food. Pet-Tinic supplements iron and several vitamins, which can be necessary for red blood cell production and immune support.

    Pros
    • Liquid formula that can be added to food or administered directly to your cat
    • Designed to be highly palatable
    Cons
    • Some customers have noted that they did not get a dropper included in the package for accurate dosing
    • Contains sugar, so it may not be ideal for some pets, especially those with diabetes

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    Buyer’s Guide: Understanding Kidney Disease in Cats

    Unfortunately, kidney failure is very common in cats. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, 81% of cats over 15 have kidney disease. A variety of factors can cause kidney disease:

    • Genetics
    • Neoplasia
    • Infections
    • Kidney stones (nephroliths)

    Your veterinarian will diagnose kidney disease based on several tests. They’ll typically start with blood work and a urinalysis. Possible changes in laboratory values associated with kidney disease include:

    • Elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine
    • Elevated SDMA
    • Decreased urine specific gravity
    • Increased protein in the urine
    • Decreased red blood cell count
    • Increased blood pressure

    Dietary management is the mainstay of treating kidney disease. Several prescription diets aim to support the kidneys by restricting protein and phosphorus intake. Research into supplements is ongoing, with variable results. Make sure you discuss any supplements with your veterinarian to ensure they won’t interfere with your cat’s treatments.

    Veterinarian-doctors-analyzing-blood-samples-of-cat-in-laboratory-under-microscope_Kzenon_Shutterstock
    Image Credit: Kzenon, Shutterstock

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Are there supplements to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight?

    Many cats with renal insufficiency lose weight. Rather than utilizing a supplement, your veterinarian might try a prescription appetite stimulant like mirtazapine or capromorelin.

    Why do cats with kidney disease lose weight?

    Cats with kidney disease lose protein through their kidneys, resulting in muscle mass loss. Many of these kitties also have a decreased appetite, consuming fewer calories.

    If you’re curious about what’s safe for cats to eat, are interested in supplements or have general questions about your feline’s nutrition and diet, it is recommended you speak to your vet.

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    Our Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease Selection Process

    Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best supplements for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat supplements. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.

    divider 2 cats

    Conclusion

    Cats with kidney disease may benefit from a kidney supplement. Purina’s Hydra Care helps your cat stay hydrated, which is essential for a kitty in kidney failure. Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat is an affordable and balanced supplement. Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement might be a bit pricey, but studies have confirmed it to be effective in many cases.

    Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat a supplement to ensure it won’t interact with its other medications.

    Also see:


    Featured Shutterstock: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

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